Happy Birthday

Hey Ya'll! I hope you've been eating lots of candy over the weekend! I had a few pieces, but honestly, I've been snacking on mine since I bought some last week! haha

Anyway, I'm sharing another birthday card with you. Remember, I have a few birthdays to catch up on. I'm still needing to do the shipping part! It's really sad considering I have a postal stamp printer in my studio too! I'll get to it...one day!


Check out all that texture on that embossed cardstock. I really liked the way that pattern is one of the main features, allowing my simple layout to pop. It's a super easy and quick card; here's how I made it!

Instructions

1. On purple cardstock, emboss it, then round corners. Add ribbon treatment and button, then adhere to A2 black card base.
2. Stamp frame and sentiment on rustic white cardstock, then adhere to card front

Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - baroque nested frames & occasions
Ink :: Tsukineko - memento tuxedo black; Papertrey Ink - plum pudding
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - true black, rustic white, plum pudding
Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - true black satin ribbon, giga guidelines impression plate; Heirloom Keepsakes - vintage flower
Tools :: Spellbinders - GC-001 grand calibur; We R Memory Keepers - corner chomper

Have a great week! Take care!

Happy Birthday Lily

Alright, so this card is not for someone I know named Lily, but isn't that lily of the valley stamp so pretty! I'm not a big fan of coloring (meaning myself using that technique, I love seeing everyone else do it), so I just stamped it on a stamped pattern. I haven't used a light purple shade in a while, so I pulled that out and paired it with a complimentary darker purple hue. I know I wanted to use cream and black, then I got stuck. So, when I get stuck selecting color combinations, I usually pull the focal point of what I've completed so far up against various cardstock colors. I saw aqua mist (I think my favorite cardstock color) and knew it was best fit for me! It's an usual color palette, but I like that it's unique!


I used grosgrain ribbon a word trim to emphasize how I feel about this friend. She's unique and special and those definitions on the word trim really were a great fit. I also used crocheted trim. To finish it off, I distress the edges of the focal cardstock with my scissors because I couldn't find my paper distresser! Who needs that anyway, when you have a pair of scissors, right?!


I used a variety of stamp vendors to come up with this design. Unity Stamp Company has great background patterns. Their rubber stamps are etched very well and on one block, which makes it easy to ink up and drop right on your cardstock! JustRite Stampers have the best sentiments. I really like the fonts they choose and their new clear blocks make it super easy to stamp. I did not even use a positioner to stamp this sentiment (sorry, just a proud moment for myself)! Then, there is Papertrey Ink. Their stamps are high quality and include trend setting images.

I really like combining a lot of vendors together to create. How about you? Do you stick to one manufacturer or combine a few together? When I combine them, I feel a sense of accomplish, like I have gotten use out of my product collection and that makes me feel so happy that I've achieved the ultimate crafting challenge.

Anyway, here's some instructions and supplies! You all have a great Friday Eve! I still have a scratchy throat, but at least my eyes are not on fire anymore! :) Hey...I'm always trying to look on the bright side! Take care!

Instructions

1. Stamp ledger and flower images on cream cardstock, then stamp sentiment.
2. Cut around ledger, distress the edges, then add ribbon treatment.
   
3. Adhere cardstock to an A2 card front, then adhere trims.

Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - baroque nested frames and occasions; Papertrey Ink - year of flowers: lily of the valley; Unity Stamp Company - notes ledger
Ink :: Tsukinkeo - memento tuxedo black; Papertrey Ink - lavender moon, plum pudding
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist, rustic cream
Embellishments :: Graphic 45 - trims; Papertrey Ink - lavender moon grosgrain ribbon

Happy Birthday Tag Card

Hey Bleeps! I hope you had a great weekend! I got a chance to spend it with friends and family!! I even got a chance to hangout in DC on Saturday night to celebrate my friend's birthday. Since I'm always late, here's a card for her that I will {hopefully} mail today! I was inspired by the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I altered the sketch a little bit because I just couldn't adhere my tag perfectly straight, so I angled it slightly. I call it a tag card because the entire card's focal point is the tag. I added the text background on the card front so it wouldn't be "naked!"

I've got a few more birthdays I'm behind on, so I'll be making lots of birthday stuff this week! I'm sure people think I'm crazy for not sending cards timely (if at all) since I make them often, but I like to say I'm a crafter of cards, not a card sender! Then, on top of that - you'd think I'd dig in my large stash of cards to select one and send. NOPE - I always have to make a new one! Going to work on getting better at that ... now! Anyway, I'd love for you to take a peek at how I created it!

Instructions

1. Stamp background patterns on tag.
2. Add twill tape, crocheted trim, then adhere buttons.
3. Die cut circle, then adhere resin frame (after adding distress ink) and add flower. *Create* your own embellishment!
   
4. Tie twine around tag and secure resin frame tag embellishment.
   
5. Stamp sentiment on tag front.
6. Stamp background text on A2 card front, then ink the edges.
7. Adhere the tag with foam adhesive at an angle

Supplies

Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps - very vintage lables no. 5; Papertrey Ink - background basics (text style), fillable frames #4; Skipping Stones Design - grunge
Ink :: Close to My Heart - desert sand, bamboo; Ranger - antique linen, vintage photo
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist
Embellishments :: Vintage Scrap Shop - tag; Hero Arts - crocheted trim; Melissa Phillips - twill tape; May Arts - twine; DeNami Design - sand buttons; Melissa Frances - resin frame; Prima - flower
Tools :: Spellbinders - S4-116 standard circles sm, GC-001 grand calibur

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a great week!

Caardvarks :: SRM Stickers

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you enjoyed your weekend. I'm already looking forward to our upcoming weekend since it will be a nice 3-day for me. Today, I am sharing some cards for the new Caardvarks challenge sponsored by SRM Stickers. The challenge involves scrap lifting one of the cards from the design team. The entire new release of SRM Stickers is the featured prize. Head on over to the blog to check out how everyone used these clear stickers.

Edited to Add: By publisher's request, the image for this card was removed.
To view this card, please see Cards magazine April 2011 issue.
The image will be re-uploaded after May 2011.

Instructions

1. Trim patterned paper block and adhere to orange A2 card base.
2. Trim doily in half and adhere to card front.
3. Apply sentiment stickers to die cut embellishment, then adhere to card front.
4. Add buttons with twine and bloomer.

Supplies

Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - orange zest
Patterned Paper :: Kaisercraft - hippy girl collection
Embellishments :: SRM - sentiment sticker; Craft Supply - doily; American Crafts - bloomer; Papertrey Ink - buttons; May Arts - twine; Kaisercraft - die cut embellishment (hippy girl collection)



Instructions

1. Trim patterned papers to fit A2 card front and adhere.
2. Die cut label and trim one end, then adhere to card front to create a border.
3. Add ribbon.
4. Punch folder tab and add sentiment stickers, then adhere to card front.

Supplies

Cardstock :: Stampin' Up! - elegant eggplant; Papertrey Ink - rustic white
Patterned Paper :: Kaisercraft - hippy girl collection
Embellishments :: SRM - sentiment sticker; Papertrey Ink - ribbon
Tools :: Spellbinders - S4-290 labels fourteen, wizard; McGill - folder tab punch




Instructions

1. Trim cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Stamp web pattern.
3. Die cut label, then adhere purple and black cardstock strips.
4. Add sentiment sticker, then adhere buttons with twine.
5. Embellish with rhinestones, then adhere to card front with foam adhesive.

Supplies

Stamps :: Hero Arts - web background
Ink :: Close to My Heart - black
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - orange zest; Stampin' Up! - elegant eggplant; American Crafts - black
Patterned Paper :: Graphic 45 - hallowe'en in wonderland collection (harold's square)
Embellishments :: SRM - sentiment sticker; Kaisercraft - rhinestones; May Arts twine; Papertrey Ink buttons
Tools :: Spellbinders - S4-290 labels fourteen, wizard

Thanks so much for visiting today! Take care!

Embellish Color Challenge :: Background Stamping

Hey Bleeps! It's Friday and time for another Embellish challenge. This time, the focus is all about creating your own patterned paper - background stamping, something I am truly passionate about! I usually create my own patterns using stamps on most of my projects, so when Skipping Stones Design came out with their Timeless Textures set, I knew the focus has to be on stamping. Ever tried it or want to do more? Come on over to our blog to see what the rest of the design team created and what the color palette is!


Instructions

1. Trim white cardstock and stamp music background. Add distress ink.
2. Add jewel flourish and ribbon treatment.
3. Stamp sentiment on cardstock strip and adhere.
   
4. On gray card base, stamp patterns in corner, and add white chalk ink to edges.
5. Adhere stamped background cardstock to card front.

Supplies

*Some supplies are linked on the Embellish blog

Stamps :: Skipping Stones Design - timeless textures, always there
Ink :: Papertrey Ink - smokey shadow; Clear Snaps - colorbox white chalk; Ranger - pumice stone
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - smokey shadow, white, lemon tart
Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - lemon tart saddle stitch ribbon; Prima - jewel flourish

Thanks for coming by today! Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

Happy Birthday, Kelly Marie

Yep! I'm back today, so I guess I made up for my day off yesterday already! This time, I'm back for a special celebration! Today, is my friend Kelly Marie's birthday! She is one of Lawn Fawn's owners and is a positive person. So, I thought I'd create a photo card. I hope that's not too lame! haha I made it super colorful, added some Lawn Fawn goodness, and of course some happy patterned paper that hopefully appeals to Kelly!

So, this is a blog hop with several other designers who are also celebrating Kelly's birthday with her. Hop along to the other blogs if this is your first stop; otherwise, continue on to Winter's blog!

Lynnette Kauffman

Sarah Martina Parker

Mariana Grisby

Teri Anderson

Latisha Yoast

Danni Reid

Jenn Coker

Ashley Cannon Newell

Winter Sims

Tiffany Johnson

Instructions

1. Trim patterned paper to about 4" x 5.25".
2. Print photo to a 2.5" square size and adhere to photo frame.
3. Stamp flowers on patterned paper, cut out, adhere to photo frame corner. Add rhinestones.
4. Stamp banner and sentiment, cut out, adhere to photo frame.
5. Add "30" and bling it out.
6. Tie ribbon into a bow and adhere photo frame embellishment at an angle.

Supplies

Stamps :: Lawn Fawn - bannerific, petite florals, sophies sentiments
Ink :: Tsukinkeo - memento tuxedo black
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist
Patterned Paper :: Kaisercraft - hippy girl collection; Papertrey Ink - bitty dots
Embellishments :: Kaisercraft - rhinestones; American Crafts - thickers; Papertrey In - ribbon; K & Company - photo frame

I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by again!

Watch Me Wednesday :: Happy Birthday Balloon

UPDATE

The card + video have been removed temporarily for publication.
Find it in Cards magazine February 2011.
The video will be re-published in March 2011.

Hey Everyone! Yaaaay...it's Wednesday and time for another video! Today, I decided to create a card using some new Kaisercraft. The Up, Up & Away collection is so vintage. Here's a birthday card probably for a guy. So, take a peek at how I made it!

You may also view the video here. Thank you for watching!

Supplies

Stamps :: Technique Tuesday - numbers game; DeNami Design - polka dot background; Papertrey Ink - get to the point sentiments
Ink :: Hero Arts - latte; Ranger - vintage photo, tea dye
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - ocean tides, dark chocolate, vintage cream
Patterned Paper :: Kaisercraft - up, up & away collection 6" paper pad
Embellishments :: Kaisercraft - up, up & away collection chipboard & cardstock die cuts; May Arts - twine

One more thing! Have you heard? There is a new challenge that has started. This time, it's photography related. You've got to check it out...it's hosted by none other than BoldLifestyle Photography (also known as McArthur's creative photography blog). He's been really wanting to host his own photography-based challenge and finally decided to take the plunge. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to the blog here and see what the first challenge entails. Dust off your cameras and snap some photos. There's no need to be a professional. It's all about being creative and trying new things, just like any other paper crafting challenge. And you want to know what's great about it all? You can scrap these photos! Just think of the story behind each of them. I can't wait to participate myself and I hope you join me!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a great wonderful Wednesday.

Embellish Color Challenge :: Squares

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday to you! Today, I have a "Fast Friday Card" to share and it's inspired by the Embellish Squares Color Challenge that just started today. These colors are really great. I focused heavily on purple, with some black, and a bit of green. This 3.5" square mini card was super quick to create and just perfect to give my friend for her birthday. Please hop on over to the blog to check out the challenge and the design team's wonderful projects. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Instructions

1. Stamp images on inchie squares with watermark ink.
2. Add purple embossing powder and heat set.
3. Adhere embossed inchie squares to card front with foam adhesive.
4. Stamp sentiment.
5. Add rhinestones.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - take three summer
Ink :: Tsukineko - Versamark, Memento tuxedo black
Cardstock :: Inchie Arts - purple inchie note card
Embellishments :: Inchie Arts - 1" black inchie squares; Kaisercraft - green rhinestones; American Crafts - lavender embossing powder

Thanks for taking a peek at my post today. Enjoy yourself and take care!

Happy Birthday Waltzingmouse

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you had a great weekend! I celebrated my birthday Saturday and danced the night away. I also got a lot of rest the entire weekend, which means I didn't get as much done in the studio, but I bet you that rest was much more important than anything I could have created!

Today, I am participating in Waltzingmouse's Blog Waltz to celebrate their first year in business! Claire is a really great designer and I've been a huge fan of her company since the beginning, especially with the introduction of her stamps that match Spellbinders™ die templates.

Also, I wanted to share with you that Waltzingmouse Stamps has a great interview in Embellish Magazine's Premier Issue here. If you haven't subscribed to this issue yet, you are missing out!

So, here's to your first anniversary, Claire and to many more! I wish you and Waltzingmouse huge successes in the future!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great Monday!

Instructions

1. Trim kraft cardstock block and stamp wheat pattern background.
2. Adhere patterned paper to kraft cardstock and ink the edges.
3. Add flower trim.
4. Die cut label and emboss, then stamp border and ink the edges.
5. Die cut circle, stamp sentiment, and ink.
6. Pop circle off label die cut.
7. Pop label die cut off patterned paper.
8. Adhere focal point to card front and stitch the edges.

Supplies

Stamps :: Waltzingmouse - say it with style, very vintage labels no. 5, off beat backgrounds
Ink :: SU! - chocolate chip; Ranger - old photo
Cardstock :: PTI - kraft, dark chocolate, melon berry
Patterned Paper :: Webster's Pages
Embellishments :: Webster's Pages - peach bloomer trim
Tools :: Spellbinders - labels five nestabilities (S4-229 ), standard circle nestabilities large (S4- 114), wizard

Happy Birthday

Hey there! Thank you all so much for sending me birthday wishes yesterday! I really enjoyed them. I celebrated a little this weekend with my family and hope to get one more celebration in next weekend! I always like to stretch it out a bit! I planned on not posting yesterday at all, but was moved to list some of my thoughts at that time. Oh how I love blogging and thanks for reading!

Recently, we have been very busy with photography. We created Ashley McArthur Photography. I like to joke and say that McArthur finally decided to hire me! :) You can view the site here, become a Facebook fan here, and check out some additional photos on Flickr here. Hop around and check out some of our recent work. BoldLifestyle will remain active, but as McArthur's personal and creative photography blog.

I've also been working on a major project. I am donating over 450 cards to soldiers currently deployed in Afghanistan from my A New Design shop. I am shipping at least two APO flat rate boxes on Wednesday and I am super excited about this! I have a long-time family friend who is currently deployed in Afghanistan and she helped me organize the shipment. She is due to return very soon. She will probably be back before the box arrives! :) The shop will be all cleared out and new cards will be added as they're created. At least that's the plan!

That leads me to my next project. I am still working on organizing my craft studio. I've been in my new space for about a year now and have everything I need; however, some items are being neglected. I plan to post more items up for sale and really hope you all will grab them up and use them to your heart's desire. Once I get my studio in some organized state, I'll photograph it for you, but I've also decided to photograph what a "real" studio looks like - when it's all a mess - not those magazine and clean photos we all see and love! Hey, I know I don't live the magazine life, so I want to show you all what's real! So stay tuned for that...some time! :)

I've also been working on a new blog. The new blog will be a new design (ha ha get it, a...new...design) and a new web site. I have thought long and hard about creating my own site and finally made the decision to go for it. I really love Blogger, but have outgrown it. Also, with my own dedicated web site, if I ever change anything again, the site will not change. What does this mean for you? You will have to subscribe to a new site feeder via Google Reader or E-mail all over again. I apologize for any inconvenience up front, but want you to know I am making this change specifically for my blog readers and to interact with each of you more. Some new features will include my ability to respond to your questions in the comments and even chat! The Blogger site will still be live, but will automatically redirect to the new web site. I will let you know when the change will occur, so if you read my blog through a feed, you will see one post that announces the switch and then I'll provide the new site and feedburner links as well. I just wanted to give you all a fair 'warning' of what to expect in the near future. I appreciate all of my readers and welcome you to join me on the new site in a few weeks.

That's it for now! About today's card...I created it last week and wanted to emboss the wood grain patterned and use some of Papertrey's new basketball stamps. I ended up creating a version of a basketball court on the card. Notice the faux stitching is like a basketball court? Maybe it's a stretch, but it's a correlation at least!

Thanks for stopping by and reading what's been up with me! Here's more about the card:

Instructions

1. Trim blue cardstock block, stamp wood grain pattern, and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.
2. Mat cardstock on an orange block.
3. Trim white cardstock block and stamp text background, then mat on orange cardstock.
4. Adhere orange cardstock to a black A2 card base.
5. Die cut one scalloped oval die template, cut in half, then add white faux stitching with gen pen.
6. Adhere one half of oval on white cardstock and the other half on blue cardstock.
7. Add black ribbon and loop it at the ends.
8. Stamp three basketballs and color with Copic markers.
9. Cut out and pop off card front center.
10. Stamp sentiment and pop off bottom right corner of card base.

Supplies

Stamps :: PTI - background basics (woodgrain, text style I); birthday basics
Ink :: Versamark; Memento - black; Uniball - white signo gel pen
Cardstock :: PTI - stamper's select white, spring rain, orange zest, true black
Embellishments :: PTI - true black twill tape
Tools :: Spellbinders™ - petite scalloped oval nestabilities large (S4-139), wizard

Papertrey Ink :: Guest Designer

Hey Everyone! Thanks for stopping by today. If you came over from Nichole's blog, you've heard the great news!! I'll be Papertrey Ink's (PTI) Guest Designer for April and May. When Nichole first contacted me, I was floored and walked around with my jaw dropped for days. I am one of PTI's biggest fans and a loyal customer. Their products are very high quality, versatile, fun, and innovative. This is seriously a dream come true. Thank you, Nichole and to the PTI team for your everyday inspiration.

My PTI Favorites

Contest Details

Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win my favorites. Please limit to one comment per person. This contest will close at 7am EST, Saturday, April 10th. The winner will be announced by noon the same day on Papertrey's April Release Winners page. The winner will be responsible for contacting customer service within 30 days to claim their prize and provide their shipping information.

UPDATE: The contest is now closed.
Thanks for all of your supportive comments and warm welcome! :)

My Card

Selecting my favorites was a really difficult task because I like everything. So, when I finally narrowed down my list, I decided to challenge myself to create a card using all of my favorite PTI products that are up for grabs. While creating the card, I was not sure if I would be able to actually accomplish it, but with only one more stamp set to incorporate into the project, I made it work! So, here is my card using all of the PTI products that are up for grabs to win. The details and instructions are below.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy your weekend.

Instructions

1. Trim kraft cardstock to 3.75" x 4.75", then stamp diamond background pattern with hawaiian shores ink. Ink edges and mat on 4.25" x 5.45" berry sorbet cardstock.
2. Trim rustic cream cardstock block. Stamp sentiment and adhere to kraft cardstock.
   
3. Trim ocean tides bitty dots patterned paper and die cut scallop edge, then ink edges and adhere to kraft cardstock.
4. Trim rustic cream cardstock 1" strip, stamp text background with brown ink, and ink edges. Adhere to card front.
5. Stamp leaves in ripe avocado ink, cut, then adhere to card front.
6. Stamp flower in berry sorbet ink, cut, then adhere to card front.
7. Stamp bird in berry sorbet ink, cut, then pop off card front. Add rhinestone for bird's eye.
8. On berry sorbet cardstock strip, stamp "birthday" and pop off card front.
9. With white gel pen, fill in diamond background pattern.
10. Adhere berry sorbet cardstock to a rustic cream A2 card base. Ink the edges.

Tips & Tricks

• For added dimension on leaves and flowers, adhere with a tacky glue on the inside and curl the paper upwards to make it pop up a bit.
• If your sentiment will not fit on your cardstock block, consider breaking it up and stamping it on a contrast cardstock color and pop it up for dimension.

Supplies

Stamps :: PTI - background basics (diamonds), (text style I), giga guidelines, bird watching additions, life
Ink :: PTI - berry sorbet, ripe avocado, hawaiian shores; SU! - chocolate chip; Ranger - antique linen, tea dye; Uniball - signo broad white gel pen
Cardstock :: PTI - rustic cream, berry sorbet, kraft
Patterned Paper :: PTI - ocean tides bitty dots
Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones
Tools :: PTI - medium scallop die; Cuttlebug

**Note: For those without a blog, please use OpenID to make a comment.

Wishing You a Happy Birthday

Hey Everyone! I'm back to share a card inspired by Melissa Phillip's photo over on her blog here. There were so many fun elements included in this photograph, that I had a difficult time choosing which ones to highlight in the card. Well, here is what I ended up with after about 2 hours of staring at this card! Sometimes, it is just a lengthy process.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!

Instructions

1. Create an A2 card base from light pink cardstock.
2. Stamp lines at a diagonal on the bottom half of card base.
3. Stamp polka dot pattern on the top half of card base.
4. Tie ribbon and add flower.
5. Trim cardstock to about 2.25" x 3.75", stamp background pattern and ink.
6. Stamp tea cups, cut out, add red dots, and ink.
7. Pop tea cups off cardstock and add flowers.
8. Trim felt and adhere.
9. Add cardstock to card front at an angle.

Supplies

Stamps :: PTI - everyday classics, background basics (diamonds), polka dot basics II
Cardstock :: PTI - rustic cream, sweet blush
Ink :: PTI - pure poppy; SU! - white; Ranger - tea dye; Copic marker
Embellishments :: Prima - flowers; Technique Tuesday - twill tape; PTI - cream felt
Tools :: pinking shears

Happy Birthday :: Masculine Style

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you enjoyed your weekend! I got the chance to head over to Archiver's in Raleigh and enjoyed a good hour and half visit there! I took my time, perused the aisles and even picked up patterned paper, a rare purchase for myself! I plan to share a few of my purchases with you on Wednesday. So, look for that later this week!

Last night, I started working on a card and couldn't finish it because I was too tired. I thought I would wake up early enough to finish it this morning, but that did not happen either! So, here is a card I made last weekend. It's a masculine birthday card that feels so 'natural.'

I'll be back tomorrow to share the infamous card that I cannot quite finish! It's not even a difficult one! :)

Take care and thanks for visiting!

Instructions

(1) Create a 5.5” square card base.
(2) Trim patterned paper block and adhere to card front.
(3) Trim cream cardstock block, stamp text background and ink.
(4) Stamp leaves and sentiment, then mat on olive cardstock block.
(5) Add twine and buttons.
(6) Mat on navy cardstock.
(7) Pop off card front.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - background basics (text style) + turning a new leaf; Waltzingmouse - say it with style (sentiment)
Ink :: Papertrey Ink - ripe avocado + enchanted evening; Hero Arts - latte; Ranger - antique linen
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - vintage cream + ripe avocado + enchanted evening;
Patterned Paper :: My Mind’s Eye - abbey road (lucky me open toed)
Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - buttons + twine

Happy Happy Birthday

TGIF Bleeps! I'm so happy it's Friday! YaaaaaaY! Today, I'm sharing a card inspired by a Paper Crafts magazine call for their September/October issue. They have a color inspiration column that features cards using the same color combination. I participated in the July/August issue, so you'll have to check that out this summer. However, this time - the column was open for all designers to submit. The problem - the color combination! It was definitely a challenge. The colors were a cobalt blue, purple, grey, and yellow gold. Whew! How do you design something with those colors, right?! Well, I did and here's what I created. Let's just say it wasn't picked up, but I like it, so I'm sharing it here!

I just wanted to be frank with everyone that I do not get all of my cards submitted accepted by editors for publication. I get those rejections too that you just don't understand. "I thought it was very pretty or cute." Do you find yourself saying these things? If so, take another look at your card and see what you think after the fact. If you have thick skin, ask a fellow card maker what they think or how it could be improved. Perhaps you may get some ideas or insight on how others view your designs - for publication purposes. However, sometimes - I just think the card doesn't 'fit' the publication. So, your card may be pretty or cute, but does not fit that particular publisher's issue!

Well, I hope you enjoy your weekend! Take care and I'll be back tomorrow with a fun Caardvarks post!

Instructions

(1) Make an A2 card base from cardstock.

(2) Trim blue cardstock block and stamp background with watermark ink.

(3) Add clear embossing powder and heat.

(4) Adhere blue cardstock to card front.

(5) Trim purple strip and adhere to the right side.

(6) Trim purple strip, stamp sentiment and adhere.

(7) Stamp elephant, color, and embellish with rhinestones.

(8) Cut out elephant and pop off card front.

(9) Add liquid pearls to background pattern.

Supplies

Stamps :: Hero Arts - dots and flowers (background) + exotic decor (elephant); Papertrey Ink - fillable frames #1 (sentiment)

Ink :: Versamark; Papertrey Ink - enchanted evening + smokey shadow; Copic markers (T3, V09, V17, Y19)

Paper :: Die Cuts With a View - blue; Stampin’ Up! - crushed curry; CutCardstock.com - purple; Papertrey Ink - white

Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones; Ranger - gold liquid pearls; American Crafts - embossing powder

Happy 2nd Birthday

Hey there! I'm so happy it's the weekend. I still woke up really early today, but I am fine with that because I got the chance to make this girly birthday card for my neighbor. I'm in a rush now because I need to go out and find a gift...quick! This is such unfamiliar territory. I have no clue what to get for a 2-year old girl. Then, I'm such a procrastinator. But, somehow, it all gets done!

A little later, we're off to photograph her party! How fun, right?! It will be my first kiddie photography event! I think Mac will be letting me take the lead on this one. For some reason kids adore me. They always have, even when I was a child myself. If one is crying in the store, they see me and just stop. I have no idea what that's about, but it's funny. They lock their eyes on me and just stare! I always joke and say that I look funny and they're trying to figure it out! :) So, I'm hoping the kids at the party are comfortable with me enough to take their pictures.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend. It's a bit soggy here, but I'll take it! Thanks for visiting today!

Instructions

1. Trim lavender cardstock to make an A2 card base.
2. Trim rustic cream cardstock block and stamp background pattern.
3. Using markers, add polka dotted colors to the background pattern.
4. Ink around cream cardstock block and adhere to card front center.
5. Trim double scallop edge die cut and adhere to card front.
6. Ink twill tape and add ribbon treatment.
7. Embellish scallop edges with purple rhinestones.
8. Die cut circle and scallop circles.
9. Stamp label on circle die cut and pop off of scallop circle die cut, then adhere to card front center.
10. Stamp "2" on lavender cardstock, cut out, and adhere to circle die cut center with foam adhesive.
11. Stamp sentiment (separately spacing them), trim, ink, and pop off card front under center focal point.
12. Ink around card front.

Supplies

Stamps :: Hero Arts - dots and flowers (background) + essential messages (sentiment); Waltzingmouse Stamps - vintage circles, small; Close to My Heart - alphabets ("2")

Ink :: PTI - summer sunrise + plum pudding; SU! - markers; Ranger - antique linen

Paper :: Bazzill - rio (orange) cardstock/edge strips; PTI - lavender moon + rustic cream; CutCardstock.com - dark purple

Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones; Technique Tuesday - twill tape

Tools :: Spellbinders - circle + scallop circle nestabilities; Provo Craft - cuttlebug

Happy Birthday

Hey there, Bleeps! Happy Hump Day! Today, I'm sharing a colorful birthday card that will hopefully give someone a smile and sunshine. Are you read for today's vacation hint?

Vacation Hint #3: The vacation spot is where a martial art originated that McArthur studied and also a place where I can indulge my ultimate favorite food.

Thanks so much for visiting and leaving your guesses and comments! See you tomorrow!

Instructions

1. Make an A2 card base.
2. Trim kraft cardstock block, stamp background pattern, and color in dots.
3. Adhere kraft cardstock to card front.
4. Trim kraft, turquoise, and pink cardstock strips.
5. Scallop edge punch the bottoms and adhere to card front.
6. Add ribbon treatment.
7. Stamp sentiment and adhere strip to card front center.

Supplies

Stamps :: PTI - background basics (retro) + communique curves (sentiment)

Ink :: SU! - white, pacific point; Copic markers

Paper :: PTI - white, kraft; CutCardstock.com - turquoise; Bazzill - pink

Embellishment :: PTI - ribbon

Tools :: SU! - scallop edge punch

Embellish Birthdays Color Challenge :: Happy Birthday

Hey there, Bleeps! Finally, a day out of the house! :) We're finally snow-free. Well, not really because the snow mountains are still there and late in the evening the wet pavement from the melting snow gets a bit icy. However, yesterday we saw lots of sunshine and it was beautiful! It even warmed up to about 40 degrees. I got a fun new hair cut with some new color and feel refreshed after being "held hostage" by the snow in the house for nearly a week.

Today, I have great news for my fellow crafters. Embellish Magazine has a fun new challenge for you, sponsored by The {Stamps} of Life. This challenge is a bit different from the usual challenges where you get to create a paper craft project using a birthday theme! So, any embellishment is allowed - just make it birthday related. The colors are shown above and make sure you check out Stephanie's great stamp company too!

Enjoy your weekend and have a great Valentine's Day. I hope to be back to share a card with you, but if not here's some love for you! :)

Instructions

1. In Photoshop, create a brush from the 'sprinkles' image in the digital stamp set. Repeat the pattern in various colors to create digital patterned paper, print and cut to fit card front center.
2. Adhere digital patterned paper to card front.
3. Trim pink cardstock strip and adhere to card front center.
4. Stamp cupcake topper on brown felt with Staz-On white ink and cut out.
5. Add beads to cup cake topper.
6. Stamp cupcake bottom on pink cardstock, then adhere to navy cardstock block.
7. Adhere topper and stamp sentiment in white ink.
8. Adhere navy block to card front center with foam adhesive.

Supplies

Stamps :: The {Stamps} of Life - HappyBday2You

Ink :: Staz-On - white; SU! - white

Paper :: Office Depot - presentation paper; PTI - new leaf + enchanted evening + raspberry fizz

Embellishments :: Stix 2 Stuff - beads; Heather Bailey - felt

Tools :: Adobe Photoshop CS4; Printer

Birthday Wishes

Buy Now

Hey Bleeps! It's Friday Eve and that's reason to start celebrating! I've got a card to share with you today to celebrate a birthday! Oh boy do I have a lot to do tomorrow. My final gallery upload of SCS DD DT - YIKES! Why do I wait until the last minute! I tried last night, but barely got one project finished. I have a lot more to do. How did this happen during my last month? :) I hope I can pull through! You've got to check out the gallery on Friday just to see what I come up with. This is going to be a long day ahead!

Here is a photo from my Project 365 app (yesterday). Meet my new, trendy lunch tote! I learned about it from watching the Food Network. It's by Built NY and it's made from wet suit material! It's insulated and machine washable. They have a lot of cute designs and styles. They even make laptop sleeves and all sorts of neat finds. I purchased mine on Macys.com because they were having an online sale when I made my purchase. It's soft and folds flat when it's empty! I really like it so much better than my mini lunch BOX! Just thought I'd share since the Project 365 app doesn't load my journaling portion...UGH! I think an update is on its way!

Alrighty, Bleeps...pray for me! Thanks so much and enjoy your day!

Instructions

1. Trim cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Stamp images and punch circles.
3. Adhere circles to card front.
4. Stamp sentiment and adhere to card front.

Supplies

Stamps :: The Stamps of Life - ;Papertrey ink - paper tray

Ink :: Clear Snap - chestnut

Paper :: Stampin' Up! - soft suede, crushed curry, bermuda bay, kiwi kiss; Papertrey Ink - plum pudding, raspberry fizz, lemon tart

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey there, Bleeps! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm still awake cooking or I should say waiting on some things in the oven so I can lay down for a bit. So far the turkey, greens, peach cobbler, and cranberry mold are prepared for tomorrow. Whew!

Today, I'm sharing a card I created for Embellish Magazine's Brad Color Challenge. I used some of my new PTI stamps and they're so great! Just thought I'd pop in and share this card on my blog even though it's on Embellishes blog.

If I am not back later today with my "Thanksgiving" post, I'll be back on Friday with it to share photos of the food and of course the table setting! I'm so excited and can't wait to taste that cobbler...it's my FIRST. I've never even made dough from scratch before so I am extremely nervous! Good thing the stores are open tomorrow for a bit for a last minute addition! But, let's hope for the best! So, if you want to hear how it all turned out, make sure you check back for the recap!

Thanks for stopping by for a bit of entertainment on this Thanksgiving! I hope you eat well and enjoy this special day! Hope to 'see' you later or tomorrow!

Instructions

1. Trim blue cardstock to create card base.
2. Trim white block, stamp background and adhere to card front.
3. Trim red strip and adhere to card front.
4. Trim green strip and adhere to card front.
5. Punch flower, stamp background.
6. Wrap ribbon and funnel through button and flower.
7. Stamp sentiment on green strip.
8. Add brads.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - background basics diamonds, communique sentiments

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy, enchanted evening

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy, enchanted evening, new leaf white; Cut Card Stock.com - yellow

Embellishments :: CTMH - brads; Marvy Uchida - flower punch; Papertrey Ink - button, ribbon

Caardvarks Challenge :: Happy Birthday

Hey there, Bleeps! TGIF and time for another Caardvarks Challenge! It's all about coloring this time! How did I do? I am a newbie at coloring and using Copics, so what do you think?! I find the shadow part the hardest for me. For instance, where do I put it and when is it too much? If you have any tips, feel free to share them with me!

Thanks also for all of the anniversary wishes. Mac was blown away and read them too! I'll share with you a card HE MADE this weekend!

Challenge Details

Sponsor: My Scrapbook Nook

Challenge: Color a stamped image

Prize: 4 copic markers from My Scrapbook Nook

Reader discount: 20% off duing the challenge period, code: NWS20



Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Instructions

1. Trim white cardstock to , score in half to create a card base.
2. Trim kraft cardstock block.
3. Stamp images and color.
4. Stamp mushroom on a separate kraft scrap, color, cut out, and pop off.
5. Punch decorative edge trim and adhere it to right side of kraft cardstock.
6. Adhere kraft focal point to card front.
   
7. Die cut circle from patterned paper and adhere to card front.
8. "Color" chipboard letters with Maya Mist and adhere.
9. Stamp sentiment, then pop off card front.
   

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - birthday basics; Stampendous - birch buddies
Ink :: Copic - markers; Uniball - Signo Board white gel pen; Stampin' Up! - chocolate chip
Paper :: Papertrey Ink - white, kraft, bitty dots
Embellishments :: Maya Road - chipboard letters
Tools :: Martha Stewart - loopy edge punch; Provo Craft - Cuttlebug; Spellbinders - circle netsabilities; Maya Road - maya mist bronze